Breadcrumb

These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.

Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.

Linear measurement of materials: < 1 in.

Number of pages: 15

Organizational Note

The President's Council on Recreation and Natural Beauty was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, May 4, 1966, by Executive Order 11278, as amended by Executive order 11359A and 11402 of June 29, 1967, and March 29, 1968, respectively. It was a Cabinet-level interagency Council that was terminated on May 29, 1969, Executive Order 11472.

The Council reviewed plans and programs of federal agencies affecting outdoor recreation and natural beauty and made recommendations to the President on matters of policy in the fields of outdoor recreation and natural beauty.

The President's Council on Recreation and Natural Beauty recommended that local and state government require that subdivision developers provide for adequate open space and preserve natural features such as streams and trees; authorization for a cooperative federal-state-local program of urban waterfront restoration that emphasizes scenic and recreational opportunities; a program of federal grants to stimulate the establishment of regional solid waste disposal systems that emphasize reuse of waste materials; incentives encourage private recreation facilities that preserve natural beauty; enactment of legislation to require certification of high-voltage transmission line routes by he Federal Power Commission and combined use by utilities of common corridors; authorization of a national system of wild and scenic rivers; establishment of a nationwide system of walking and cycling trails; authorization for environmental conservation education; and the convening of a White House Convention on Environmental issues to develop recommendations for comprehensive national environmental quality goals and a comprehensive national environmental quality policy.

The Council consisted of twelve members appointed by the President. All members were heads of federal agencies concerned with outdoor recreation and natural beauty.

Scope and Content Note

The records consist of correspondence, memorandums, and executive nominations. Primary correspondents include the President and White House staff Charles B. (Bud) Wilkinson , John C. Whitaker, Herbert G. Klein and Peter Flanigan.

The terms "Executive" [Ex] and "General" [Gen] are used before the code FG 108 to identify the source of the materials within a specific file. The files designated [Ex] are communications between national, foreign, state and local governments and their agencies, members of Congress and other prominent people. Files designated [Gen] are communications between government officials and private citizens, institutions and other private interests.